MLS Youth to Watch

- Mark my words, Chris Wondolowski is going to come on strong as the season comes to a close. I wrote about him a few posts ago and he's starting to get some full game time. His first goal of the season came last night against Chicago. Ok, it wasn't some stunning blaster from 35 yards out, but he was at the right place at the right time and got the job done. He knows how to put the ball in the back of the net, and those are the guys you want on your team.

In 2004 Chris was named the PDL Chico Rooks' MVP, scoring 17 goals and making 10 assists. You watch, you're going to be hearing more about him.

- By now you've heard that Jonathan Bornstein is going to win the Rookie of the Year award. The Chivas USA Defender/Midfielder/Forward has proven to be the steal of the 2006 SuperDraft, being selected in the fourth round. Every other team in the league is kicking themselves for not taking him. Bornstein wasn't a big name going into the draft but he'll be a big name the rest of his career. He's proven he can play anywhere on the left side of the field, can score cracking goals and can run with anyone in the league. This kid helped the US win silver at the Maccabiah Games in 2005. How many other MLS players can say they did that?

Keep an eye on him as Chivas USA rolls into the playoffs. Bornstein is helping his team as much as possible in this season ending stretch. He scored a goal and helped create another against division rivals Houston last weekend. With Bornstein being such a quality player, teams have to mark him more, opening up stars like Ante Razov & Juan Francisco Palencia. Bornstein is helping all over the place.

- Dasan Robinson is the sleeper Rookie of the season. He bided his time, waiting for an opening and when Jim Curtain went down injured, he slipped into the lineup perfectly. Dasan joined Chicago in the second round of the Supplemental Draft out of Dayton. While at Dayton he used his athletic abilities to fit all over the field, spending time at forward and defender. Chicago has used him as an able defender and he's helped keeper Zach Thornton compile a respectable 1.25 goals against average. I'm sure Dasan will continue to grow in a system known for finding unheralded youngsters and turning them into solid MLS pros.

- Jacob Peterson is starting to get regular playing time as the Rapids' lineup has been torn apart by summer transfers, injuries and suspensions. Rapids fans delight in Peterson's work ethic and sooner rather than later the goals are going to start falling for this Generation adidas player. Peterson was a standout member of the United States Under-20 and Under-17 National teams and that experience will surely benefit him as he gets used to the professional game. MLS is much more physical than college soccer, so he is certainly still getting used to that aspect. The Rapids have used him in both forward and wing midfield roles, so he's learning how to play on a lot of the pitch. With some confidence and further development he should be a solid pro.

- Kenny Cooper isn't your typical MLS rookie. For one, he hasn't hit his 22nd birthday and he's already bigger and stronger than much of this league. In addition Cooper is the son of a NASL veteran and he was scouted by Manchester United with the help of another famous English footballer, who happens to live in Dallas now after his NASL days ended. Finally, instead of American College, Cooper learned the ropes as a reserve player with English super club, Manchester United. He came back to MLS proving that not all American players who start abroad come back to MLS with their tail between their legs (Landycakes, I'm looking at you.) Cooper's eight goals and four assists have helped FC Dallas create a strong lead atop the Western Conference. He's going to be a leader in MLS for years to come...remember, he's not even 22 yet.